JP6966816B2 - Rental space management system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a technique for centrally managing a plurality of rental spaces, and more particularly to a technique for facilitating cost reduction of equipment required to be installed in each rental space.

Already, a type of business that temporarily rents a space (belonging to real estate) such as a room or place to a user, regardless of whether it is a private property (individual ownership, private group ownership, etc.) or a public asset. Exists.

This type of rental business has traditionally been carried out by businesses such as companies and public interests / public organizations as part of the business. However, in recent years, the tendency to operate this kind of rental business at the individual level for the purpose of property utilization of personal assets that operate only temporarily has become widespread and established.

Specifically, for example, the owner of a private house uses a limited space in the private house, such as a parking lot, a garden, a warehouse, or an eaves, and the space is not used by the resident of the private house (that is, that is). There is a business that rents out to others temporarily only during non-operation period or suspension period, and for the limited purpose of parking.

In addition, there is also a business in which a resident who lives in a room in an apartment complex such as an apartment or condominium rents out the room temporarily and for a limited purpose such as a temporary stay, which is a private lodging. May be called.

Patent Document 1 reduces the workload of rental space managers and saves labor in the rental business of renting rooms such as karaoke rooms and conference rooms for rent, and places such as tennis courts and ball games to users. It discloses a rental space management support system that can be promoted.

JP-A-2002-7913

According to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, reservation is indispensable for the user to use the desired rental space. The user can make the reservation wirelessly online using his / her mobile terminal regardless of the current location.

Furthermore, according to the technology, the user can use the equipment installed in the rental space in order to identify from what time to what time the user actually used the reserved rental space. is necessary. The user is forced to use the equipment instead of his / her mobile terminal while using the rental space.

On the other hand, according to the technology, the administrator centrally manages multiple rental spaces, so that the system host used by the administrator is wired to multiple room terminals installed in each of the multiple rental spaces. Communicate online.

Therefore, according to the technology, there is no concern that the security of the information transmitted from the room terminal of the rental space used by the user to the system host will be reduced.

However, with this technology, it is necessary to install rental equipment for each rental space. Moreover, the equipment needs to realize various functions. Therefore, when adopting this technology, it is difficult to reduce the cost of equipment that needs to be installed in each rental space.

It is easy to imagine that this problem will be exacerbated for the rental business conducted at the individual level, as mentioned above.

On the other hand, when developing technology to facilitate cost reduction of equipment that needs to be installed in each rental space, it is the reason why the rental space used by the user is changed to the management server. It is important that the security of the transmitted information is not compromised.

Based on the above findings, the present invention relates to a technique for centrally managing a plurality of rental spaces, and particularly to a technique for facilitating cost reduction of equipment required to be installed in each rental space. It is a thing.

In order to solve the problem , according to an aspect of the present invention, it is a rental space management system that centrally manages a plurality of rental spaces.
A non-contact or contact-type transmitter that is installed in at least one in each rental space and emits an identification signal locally, and the identification signal is used by a user who uses one of the rental spaces. Received by a mobile terminal in a short-range wireless communication system, the transmitter is portable and can be removed without being stuck in the corresponding rental space.
With a management server that centrally manages the multiple rental spaces
Including
The transmitter has a housing, a power source, and when the transmitter is installed in a fixed object in the rental space, the transmitter is activated, and when the transmitter is removed from the fixed object, the transmitter is activated. It is configured to include a mechanical, optical or electromagnetic switch that controls the power supply so that the transmitter's transmission is stopped.
When the management server receives a signal from the mobile terminal of the user who has received the identification signal from the transmitter, the management server starts a process for starting the user to use the rental space in which the transmitter is installed. Including the user usage start processing unit
When the transmitter is moved to a space other than the rental space and installed, that space is switched to the rental space, and conversely, when it is removed from the rental space, the space is no longer a rental space. A rental space management system is provided.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is a rental space management system that centrally manages a plurality of rental spaces.
A non-contact or contact transmitter that is installed in at least one in each rental space and emits an identification signal locally.
A mobile terminal of a user who uses one of the rental spaces, which has a receiving unit for receiving the identification signal from the transmitter, and by activating the transmitter application, the identification received by the receiving unit. The one that processes the signal and the one that processes the signal
With the owner's mobile device that owns one of the rental spaces,
Including a management server that centrally manages the plurality of rental spaces by wireless communication with the user's mobile terminal and wireless communication with the owner's mobile terminal.
The transmitter is portable and removable without being stuck in the corresponding rental space.
The transmitter is
With the housing
Power supply and
When the transmitter is installed in a fixed object in the rental space, the transmitter's transmission is activated, and when the transmitter is removed from the fixed object, the transmitter's transmission is stopped. Including mechanical, optical or electromagnetic switches to control
When the management server receives a rental space ID unique to any of the rental spaces from the mobile terminal, the process for starting the user to use the rental space corresponding to the received rental space ID. Including the user usage start processing unit that starts
When the transmitter is moved to a space other than the rental space and installed, that space is switched to the rental space, and conversely, when it is removed from the rental space, the space is no longer a rental space. A rental space management system is provided.

Further, according to an aspect of the present invention, it is a rental space management system that centrally manages a plurality of rental spaces.
A non-contact or contact transmitter that is installed in at least one in each rental space and emits an identification signal locally.
A mobile terminal of a user who uses one of the rental spaces, which has a receiving unit for receiving the identification signal from the transmitter, and by activating the transmitter application, the identification received by the receiving unit. The one that processes the signal and the one that processes the signal
Including a management server that centrally manages the plurality of rental spaces by wireless communication with the user's mobile terminal.
The transmitter is portable and removable without being stuck in the corresponding rental space.
The transmitter is
With the housing
Power supply and
When the transmitter is installed in a fixed object in the rental space, the transmitter's transmission is activated, and when the transmitter is removed from the fixed object, the transmitter's transmission is stopped. Including mechanical, optical or electromagnetic switches to control
When the transmitter application is started in a state where the mobile terminal receives the identification signal from the transmitter, the rental space ID unique to the rental space is acquired from the received identification signal. Then, send the acquired rental space ID to the management server,
When the management server receives the rental space ID from the mobile terminal, the management server starts a process for starting the user of the mobile terminal to use the rental space corresponding to the received rental space ID. ,
When the transmitter is moved to a space other than the rental space and installed by the cooperative action of the transmitter, the mobile terminal, and the management server, the space is switched to the rental space, and conversely, the rental space is used. A rental space management system is provided that when removed from a space, the space is no longer a rental space.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is a rental space management system that centrally manages a plurality of rental spaces.
A non-contact or contact transmitter that is installed in at least one in each rental space and emits an identification signal locally.
A mobile terminal of a user who uses one of the rental spaces and receives the identification signal from the transmitter.
Including a management server that centrally manages the plurality of rental spaces by wireless communication with the user's mobile terminal.
The transmitter is portable and removable in any space.
When the transmitter is moved to a non-rental space and installed, the space switches to the rental space, and conversely, when it is removed from the rental space, the space becomes the rental space. A rental space management system that disappears will be provided.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is a rental space management system that centrally manages a plurality of rental spaces.
A non-contact or contact transmitter that is installed in at least one in each rental space and emits an identification signal locally.
A mobile terminal of a user who uses one of the rental spaces and receives the identification signal from the transmitter.
Including a management server that centrally manages the plurality of rental spaces by wireless communication with the user's mobile terminal.
The transmitter is portable and removable in any space.
When the transmitter is moved to a non-rental space and installed, the space switches to the rental space, and conversely, when it is removed from the rental space, the space becomes the rental space. A rental space management system that disappears will be provided.

Each of the following aspects is obtained by the present invention. Each aspect shall be divided into sections, each section shall be numbered, and the numbers of other sections shall be quoted as necessary. This is to facilitate understanding of some of the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention and their combinations, and the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention and their combinations are limited to the following aspects. Should not be interpreted as. That is, it should be interpreted that it is not hindered from appropriately extracting and adopting the technical features described in the present specification as the technical features of the present invention, which are not described in the following aspects.

Furthermore, describing each section in the form of quoting the numbers of the other sections does not necessarily prevent the technical features described in each section from being separated and independent from the technical features described in the other sections. It does not mean, and it should be interpreted that the technical features described in each section can be made independent as appropriate according to their properties.

(1) A rental space management system that centrally manages multiple rental spaces.
A non-contact or contact transmitter that is installed in each rental space and locally emits an identification signal that can identify the rental space ID unique to the corresponding rental space.
Including a management server that centrally manages the plurality of rental spaces by wireless communication with the mobile terminal of the user who uses one of the rental spaces.
The management server
When the mobile terminal of the user in any rental space effectively receives the identification signal from the transmitter, the received identification signal is rented from the user's mobile terminal corresponding to the rental space. -A real-time receiver that receives in real time in the form of a space ID,
Based on the received rental space ID, the rental space where the user is actually located is specified, and based on the time when the rental space ID is received, the start time and end of use of the rental space are started. A rental space management system that includes an information recognition unit that sometimes recognizes as the end of use time.

(2) The information recognition unit is activated by triggering that the user's mobile terminal effectively receives the identification signal representing the same rental space ID a plurality of times from the transmitter at different times. Rental space management system described in.

(3) The real-time receiving unit is represented by the received identification signal when the user's mobile terminal effectively receives the identification signal representing the same rental space ID from the transmitter a plurality of times at different times. Receive the rental space ID from the user's mobile terminal in virtually real time,
The rental space management system according to item (2), wherein the information recognition unit is activated when the real-time reception unit receives the rental space ID from the user's mobile terminal.

(4) Each time the user's mobile terminal receives the identification signal from the transmitter, the real-time receiving unit substantially outputs an identification signal representing a rental space ID represented by the identification signal from the user's mobile terminal. Received in real time,
The rental space management system according to item (2), wherein the information recognition unit is activated when the real-time reception unit receives the same rental space ID from the user's mobile terminal a plurality of times at different times.

(5) The management server starts substantial communication with the mobile terminal in response to the first reception event that the user's mobile terminal has received the identification signal from the transmitter, and after the communication starts. (1) to (4) to receive the rental space ID from the mobile terminal in response to the second reception event that the mobile terminal has received the identification signal representing the same rental space ID from the transmitter again. ) The rental space management system described in any of the sections.

(6) In the management server, a first reception event occurs in which the user's mobile terminal receives the identification signal from the transmitter, and then the mobile terminal identifies the same rental space ID from the transmitter. When the second reception event that the signal is received again occurs, in response to the second reception event, substantial communication with the mobile terminal is started, and after the communication is started, the rental space is started from the mobile terminal. The rental space management system according to any one of (1) to (4) for receiving an ID.

(7) In order to centrally manage the plurality of rental spaces on behalf of each owner, the management server also performs wireless communication with the mobile terminal of the owner of each rental space.
The management server further
By receiving the request of the owner of one of the rental spaces via the mobile terminal of the owner, the usage condition setting unit for setting the usage conditions for the user to use the corresponding rental space, and the usage condition setting unit.
The rental according to any one of (1) to (6), which includes a usage condition distribution unit that distributes the set usage conditions to the mobile terminals of a plurality of potential users of the corresponding rental space. Space management system.

(8) The rental space management system according to item (7), wherein the usage conditions include a time zone in which the user can use the corresponding rental space.

(9) The rental space management system according to (6) or (7), wherein the usage conditions include uses in which the corresponding rental space can be used by the user.

(10) The transmitter is operated by a battery, estimates the remaining amount of the battery, generates the identification signal so as to represent the estimated remaining amount of the battery, and transmits the generated identification signal.
The user's mobile terminal extracts the estimated battery level from the identification signal received from the transmitter, and the user's mobile terminal extracts the estimated battery level.
The management server further
The extracted battery level estimate is received from the user's mobile terminal in association with the corresponding transmitter or rentus space ID, and the operation of the transmitter is guaranteed based on the received battery level estimate. The rental space management system according to any one of (1) to (9), which includes a transmitter diagnostic unit that diagnoses whether or not the system is used.

(11) A rental space management system that manages multiple rental spaces.
A non-contact or contact transmitter that is installed in each rental space and locally emits an identification signal that can identify the rental space ID unique to the corresponding rental space.
Including a management server that centrally manages the plurality of rental spaces by wirelessly communicating with the mobile terminal of the user who uses one of the rental spaces.
The transmitter is portable and can be removed at any time without being stuck in the corresponding rental space.
When the user's mobile terminal receives the identification signal from the transmitter installed in any rental space, the user's mobile terminal identifies the rental space ID for the rental space based on the identification signal. Then, the identified rental space ID is transmitted to the management server, and the identified rental space ID is transmitted to the management server.
The management server
A usage start processing unit that processes the user to start using the rental space in response to the user's request.
Including the end-of-use processing unit that processes the end of use of the rental space by the user in response to the user's request.
The use start processing unit is
The first condition that the mobile terminal of the user effectively received the identification signal representing the same rental space ID multiple times at different times during the period of this usage start processing.
A usage start request that the management server wants the user to start using one of the rental spaces from the user's mobile terminal, and a rental space ID identified using the identification signal this time. When the second condition that the rental space is received is satisfied, the rental space corresponding to the rental space ID of this time is recognized as the rental space of this time, and the start time of using the rental space of this time is recorded. And do
The end-of-use processing unit
The third condition that the mobile terminal of the user effectively received the identification signal representing the same rental space ID multiple times at different times during the period of the end of use processing.
From the user's mobile terminal, the management server sends a request for termination of use to the effect that the user wishes to terminate the use of the rental space this time, and a rental space ID identified using the identification signal this time. When the fourth condition of receipt is satisfied, the rental space corresponding to the rental space ID of this time is recognized as the rental space of this time, and the end time of use of the rental space of this time is recorded. Rental space management system to do.

(12) The management server further
A service start processing unit that processes the start of a rental service that provides the rental space to the user in response to the request of the owner who owns one of the rental spaces.
Including a service termination processing unit that processes the termination of the rental service in response to the owner's request.
The service start processing unit
When the management server receives a service start request from the owner's mobile terminal to the effect that the owner wants to start providing the vacant space to the user as a rental space, and the rental space ID, the rental service is provided. To start,
The service termination processing unit is
When the management server receives a service termination request from the owner's mobile terminal to the effect that the owner wants to terminate the provision of the empty space to the user as a rental space, and the rental space ID, the rental service is provided. The rental space management system according to (11).

(13) The service start processing unit is
The management server is used by the owner's mobile terminal to (a) the user to use the rental space and is permitted to the user, and (b) the user uses the rental space. The rental according to paragraph (12), which receives at least one of the available usage time and (c) whether or not the user can reserve the rental space in advance. -Space management system.

(14) A rental space management method that centrally manages multiple rental spaces.
A non-contact or contact transmitter is installed, at least one for each rental space, that locally emits an identification signal that can identify the rental space ID unique to the corresponding rental space.
A user who uses one of the rental spaces wirelessly communicates with a management server that centrally manages the plurality of rental spaces via a mobile terminal.
The rental space management method is
When the mobile terminal of the user in any rental space effectively receives the identification signal from the transmitter, the received identification signal is rented from the user's mobile terminal corresponding to the rental space.・ A real-time reception process that receives in the form of a space ID in real time,
Based on the received rental space ID, the rental space where the user is actually located is specified, and based on the time when the rental space ID is received, the start time and end of use of the rental space are started. Rental space management methods that include an information recognition process that is sometimes recognized as the end of use time.

(15) A program executed by the computer of the user's mobile terminal, the computer of the owner's mobile terminal, or the computer of the management server to carry out the method according to (14).

The program according to this section may be interpreted to mean, for example, a combination of directives executed by a computer to perform its function, or not only a combination of these directives, but also files and data processed according to each directive. Can be interpreted to include, but is not limited to.

In addition, this program may achieve its intended purpose by being executed by a computer alone, or by being executed by a computer together with other programs. Yes, but not limited to them. In the latter case, the program according to this section may be based on data, but is not limited thereto.

(16) A recording medium on which the program described in item (15) is recorded so as to be readable by a computer.

Various formats can be adopted for this recording medium, for example, a magnetic recording medium such as a flexible disk, an optical recording medium such as a CD or a CD-ROM, an optical magnetic recording medium such as an MO, or an unremovable storage such as a ROM. Etc., but are not limited to them.

(17) The transmitter is
Power supply and
The power supply is controlled so that when the transmitter is installed in the rental space, the transmission of the transmitter is activated, and when the transmitter is removed from the rental space, the transmission of the transmitter is stopped. The rental space management system according to any one of (1) to (16), which includes a mechanical, optical or electromagnetic switch.

(18) The switch includes a mechanical switch that switches between an on state and an off state depending on whether the transmitter is in contact with a fixed object in the rental space and is released from the fixed object (18). The rental space management system described in 17).

FIG. 1 shows a transmitter installed in a plurality of rental spaces centrally managed by a rental space management system according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view exemplifying with.

In the rental space management system shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 shows a transmitter installed in a certain rental space, a mobile terminal of a user in the same rental space, and a mobile terminal of an owner in the same rental space. , Is a perspective view showing an example of a state in which a management server in a management center in a remote location communicates with each other.

FIG. 3 shows short-range one-way communication between the transmitter and the user mobile terminal shown in FIG. 2 and long-distance two-way communication between the user mobile terminal, the owner mobile terminal, and the management server, respectively. It is a diagram that represents conceptually.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram conceptually representing the transmitter shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a program executed by the computer of the transmitter shown in FIG. 4 (hereinafter, also referred to as an “application”; the same applies to other programs).

FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of the transmitter shown in FIG. 1 together with the rental space in which the transmitter is installed, and the plan view further shows the receivable assigned to the transmitter. The area and the effective reception area are conceptually represented.

FIG. 7 shows a short-distance one-way communication between the transmitter and the user mobile terminal shown in FIG. 2 and a long-distance two-way communication between the user mobile terminal and the management server shown in the figure. It is a figure which conceptually represents an example of the exchange of signals in each of them in time series.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram conceptually representing the user mobile terminal shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a program executed by the computer of the user's mobile terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram conceptually representing the management server shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram conceptually representing the computer of the management server shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart conceptually showing a part of an example of the main program executed by the computer shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart conceptually representing the rest of the main program shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a list display program executed by the computer shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a diagram conceptually showing an example of a usage status management list created by executing step S208 of FIG. 12 and step S224 of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a diagram conceptually representing a correspondence table referenced by the computer shown in FIG. 14 when the management server shown in FIG. 10 creates the usage status management list shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of the end-of-use reminder program executed by the end-of-use reminder unit in the computer shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart conceptually showing a transmitter diagnostic program executed by the transmitter diagnostic unit in the computer shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 19 is a diagram conceptually showing an example of signal exchange in long-distance bidirectional communication between the owner mobile terminal, the user mobile terminal, and the management server, both of which are shown in FIG. 2, in a time-series manner.

FIG. 20 is a diagram conceptually illustrating some form of rental service provided by the rental space management system shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart conceptually showing the usage condition setting program executed by the usage condition setting unit and the usage condition distribution unit in the computer shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 22 shows a short-distance one-way communication between a transmitter and a user mobile terminal, and a user mobile terminal and a management server in a rental space management system according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which conceptually represents an example of the exchange of signals in each of the long-distance bidirectional communication between each other in time series.

FIG. 23 (a) is a partial side sectional view showing only the lower part of the transmitter shown in FIG. 1 in a state where only the lower part of the transmitter is installed on the ground of the rental space, and FIG. 23 (b) shows only the lower part of the transmitter. It is a partial side sectional view showing the state of being released from the ground of a rental space.

Hereinafter, some exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]

First, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a rental space management system (hereinafter, simply referred to as “system”) 10 according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention is a plurality of geographically different rentals. It is a system for managing the space 20 (only the representative rental space 20 of the rental spaces 20 is shown in FIG. 1).

This system 10 is a type of business that temporarily rents a space such as a room or a place that is a private property (owned by an individual, a private group, etc.) to a user on behalf of the owner during the suspension period. I will provide a. That is, this system 10 is a system for acting as a rental business operated at an individual level for the purpose of property utilization of temporarily suspended personal assets.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the rental space 20. In this example, the rental space 20 is a space in a covered garage 26 (or warehouse) installed on the same site 24 as a private home 22 owned by an owner. The rental space 20 this time is adjacent to the road 28.

The rental space 20 is unmanned, and a person who monitors the behavior of a user who uses the rental space 20 when entering or leaving the rental space 20 in his / her own vehicle Not resident.

The garage 26 this time is switched between a state where it is permitted to be rented as a rental space and a state where it is prohibited at the will of the owner. The difference between these two states becomes apparent as the difference between the state in which the transmitter 30 is installed in the garage 26 and the state in which the transmitter 30 is not installed.

Therefore, the user recognizes the fact that the garage 26 this time can be rented to any user as a rental space by the user (for example, visually recognizing the transmitter 30 described later installed in the vicinity of the garage 26). It can be known by whether the user's mobile terminal 90 wirelessly receives the signal from the transmitter 30).

In other words, if the owner installs the transmitter 30 in the garage 26, the garage 26 switches to the rental space 26, and conversely, if the owner removes the transmitter 30 from the garage 26, the garage 26 rents.・ It is no longer a space.

Therefore, when the owner wants to start a rental service using his / her own personal assets, the transmitter 30 adjusted in advance to transmit an identification signal reflecting the rental space ID unique to the garage 26. Should be installed in the garage 26.

Since the transmitter 30 is relatively inexpensive, even if the owner purchases it, the financial burden is small. Further, the owner can simply borrow from the management center 40 without purchasing the transmitter 30, and in this case, there is no financial burden on the owner.

Therefore, in order to start a rental service using its own quiet assets, the owner can purchase new expensive equipment and install it in the existing personal assets, or repair the existing personal assets. It is also unnecessary, and the owner can easily and easily start and end the rental service.

The transmitter 30 is easy to carry, has a size and weight that can be carried by the owner alone, and may be installed in the garage 26 simply by placing it on the ground. Therefore, the owner can easily perform the work of installing the transmitter 30 in the garage 26 and the work of removing it from the garage 26 without being physically and psychologically excessively burdened.

In addition to the definition of the term "vehicle", the term "vehicle" should be interpreted as a term that includes not only automobiles but also all types of moving objects such as bicycles and motorcycles.

As a management method for the rental space 20, an independence management method in which each rental space 20 is independently (individually or self-contained) managed using only the equipment installed in the rental space 20. There is a centralized management method in which a plurality of rental spaces 20 are centrally managed by communicating with a remote management server. The system 10 according to the present embodiment adopts the latter centralized management method.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the system 10 includes a plurality of transmitters (an example of a rental space side unit) 30 installed in a plurality of rental spaces 20, and a plurality of rentals. A management server (an example of a center-side unit) 50 installed in a management center 40 that centrally manages the space 20 is provided.

In the present embodiment, for each rental space 20, one transmitter 30 is configured to transmit a local identification signal capable of identifying a unique rental space ID in the corresponding rental space 20. Will be done. One rental space ID is unique to one rental space 20 and one transmitter 30. Of course, if one rental space ID is specified, one rental space 20 corresponding to the rental space ID is specified.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in this system 10, the user uses his / her own mobile terminal 90 from the transmitter 30 installed in one rental space 20 in which the user is currently staying. The above-mentioned local identification signal is received in a contact state or a non-contact state with the transmitter 30 (short-range one-way wireless communication is performed), and a long-distance bidirectional communication with the management server 50 of the management center 40 is performed. Perform wireless communication.

The user's mobile terminal 90 is a device carried by the user and having a wireless communication function, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a PDA, or the like.

Here, a hardware configuration (see FIG. 4) and a software configuration (see FIG. 5) will be described for one transmitter 30 representing a plurality of transmitters 30 installed in the plurality of rental spaces 20. ..

First, conceptually, at least one transmitter 30 is installed in each rental space 20, and an identification signal capable of identifying a rental space ID unique to the corresponding rental space 20 is localized. A non-contact or contact communication device that sends a call to.

The transmitter 30 is usually installed in the corresponding rental space 20 so as to be movable at any time, but it can also be fixedly installed so as not to be movable. Further, although it is sufficient that the transmitter 30 has at least a transmission function, the transmitter 30 may be configured to also have a reception function, if necessary.

Next, to explain the operation method, the transmitter 30 actively, locally, and permanently transmits a unique identification signal without requiring an external trigger signal as long as the supply power is not insufficient. do.

The transmitter 30 is generally known as a beacon device that transmits a beacon signal as an identification signal, a radio beacon, or the like. In one example, the transmitter 30 generates an identification signal representing the corresponding rental space ID by modulating the original signal, and the generated identification signal is used as an IR signal, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) signal, or the like. It is transmitted locally as an NFC (Near Field Communication) signal.

Next, to explain the hardware configuration with reference to FIG. 4, which is a functional block diagram, the transmitter 30 has a computer 104 having a memory 102 for storing a processor 100 and a plurality of applications executed by the processor 100. It is composed as a subject.

The transmitter 30 further has a replaceable disposable battery 106 as a power source. Instead of the battery 106, a rechargeable battery can be adopted, or a commercial power source as an external power source can be adopted.

The transmitter 30 further has a transmitter 108 that generates and transmits an identification signal. The transmitting unit 108 is operated by the battery 106 and controlled by the controller 110. The controller 110 is controlled by the computer 100.

As shown in FIG. 23, the transmitter 30 includes a switch 32. Although not shown, the switch 32 is electrically connected to the battery 106 and the computer 104 and the controller 110 to switch the flow of electricity between the battery 106 and the computer 104 and the controller 110. The switch 32 switches between an on state in which the transmitter 30 is activated to transmit the identification signal and an off state in which the transmitter 30 is stopped to stop the transmission of the identification signal. The switch 32 is, for example, a limit switch.

The switch 32 includes a movable member 34 (for example, a movable pin) that performs a reciprocating linear motion or a reciprocating rotary motion. When the movable member 34 is in the first position (the storage position shown in FIG. 23A), the transmitter 30 is turned on. On the other hand, when the movable member 34 is in the second position (protruding position shown in FIG. 23B), the transmitter 30 is turned off.

The movable member 34 is at least partially exposed from the housing 36 of the transmitter 30. The movable member 34 may be attached to the housing 36 so that it can be operated by a human, but in the present embodiment, the movable member 34 is the ground, floor, or wall of the housing 36 of the transmitter 30. It is attached to a portion 38 (for example, a lower portion) that comes into contact with the fixed object such as.

In this embodiment, when the transmitter 30 is installed on the fixed object, the movable member 34 comes into contact with the fixed object. As a result, the force acting from the fixed object exceeds the elastic force of the return spring 39, and the movable member 34 is displaced (retracted) from the protruding position to the retracted position, whereby the transmitter 30 is turned on. do.

On the other hand, when the transmitter 30 is removed from the fixed object, the force of the movable member 34 acting on the fixed object is reduced. As a result, the elastic force of the return spring 39 exceeds the force acting on the fixed object, and the movable member 34 is displaced (advanced) from the retracted position to the protruding position, whereby the transmitter 30 shifts to the off state. ..

Next, in order to explain the software configuration of the transmitter 30 with reference to FIG. 5, the processor 100 of the transmitter 30 repeatedly executes the program conceptually represented by the flowchart in FIG.

At each execution of this program, first, in step S1, the rental space ID (that is, the unique rental space ID assigned to the rental space 20 in which the transmitter 30 of this time is actually installed) is assigned from the memory 102. ) Is read, and then, in step S2, the remaining amount of the battery 106 is estimated.

Subsequently, in step S3, a signal for modulating the original signal (for example, a carrier signal) is transmitted to the controller 110 so that the read rental space ID and the estimated remaining battery level are reflected. Is output. The controller 110 controls the transmission unit 108, and as a result, the transmission unit 108 generates an identification signal to be transmitted this time. Then, in step S4, the generated identification signal is transmitted from the transmission unit 108. Then, the process returns to step S1.

In addition, in the transmitter 30, the algorithm or procedure for generating the identification signal so as to reflect the rental space ID and the remaining battery level shall be different from the algorithm or procedure shown in FIG. Is possible.

Here, to explain one function of the user's mobile terminal 90 in association with the transmitter 30, the mobile terminal 90 is connected to the computer of the mobile terminal 90 in a state of receiving an identification signal from the transmitter 30. When a pre-installed program, that is, a dedicated application for transmitter processing (hereinafter referred to as "transmitter application") is started (logged in), the received identification signal is demoted, thereby. Decrypt the rental space ID. The mobile terminal 90 further transmits the decrypted rental space ID to the management server 50.

Further, when the mobile terminal 90 starts the transmitter application in a state of receiving the identification signal from the transmitter 30, the transmitter 30 when the identification signal is transmitted based on the received identification signal. The distance between the position of the mobile terminal 90 and the position of the mobile terminal 90 when the identification signal is received is also measured.

That is, the mobile terminal 90 has a rental space ID unique to the rental space 20 in which the transmitter 30 is actually installed, and a transmitter 30 at that time, based on the identification signal received from the transmitter 30. It is designed to acquire both distance and distance.

When the user of the mobile terminal 90 approaches the transmitter 30 while holding his / her own mobile terminal 90 and brings the mobile terminal 90 into complete or almost contact with the transmitter 108 of the transmitter 30, the mobile terminal 90 becomes a mobile terminal 90. , The identification signal can be received from the transmitter 30 in a contact manner.

On the other hand, when the user of the mobile terminal 90 enters a specific reception area while holding his / her own mobile terminal 90, the mobile terminal 90 can receive the identification signal from the transmitter 30 in a non-contact manner.

As conceptually shown in a plan view in FIG. 6, the transmitter 30 is assigned two types of reception areas. They are the receivable area and the effective reception area. All of these areas are generally defined by a circle originating from the transmitter 30, and the receivable area has a maximum reception radius, whereas the effective reception area has an effective reception radius.

However, specifically, the receivable area is an area where the identification signal from the transmitter 30 can be reached when the power supply of the transmitter 30 is normal, that is, as long as it exists in the area, it is portable. It means an area where the terminal 90 can receive the identification signal.

On the other hand, the effective reception area has an effective reception radius smaller than the maximum reception radius of the receivable area. The maximum reception radius cannot be set arbitrarily, whereas the effective reception radius can be set arbitrarily.

That is, it can be said that the maximum reception radius means the reception limit determined by the hardware, while the effective reception radius means the reception limit determined by the software.

As described above, the mobile terminal 90 measures the distance from the transmitter 30 when the identification signal received by the mobile terminal 90 is transmitted. The distance measurement may or may not exceed the effective reception radius. When the distance measurement value does not exceed the reception effective radius, it means that the mobile terminal 90 exists in the effective reception area, whereas when the distance measurement value exceeds the reception effective radius, the mobile terminal 90 is present. Is present in the receivable area but not in the effective receivable area.

By activating the transmitter processing application, the mobile terminal 90 determines whether or not the distance measurement value is equal to or less than the set value of the effective reception radius, and if it is determined that the distance measurement value is equal to or less than the set value, the mobile terminal 90 determines. Since the 90 is currently located in the effective reception area, the mobile terminal 90 determines that "the identification signal from the transmitter 30 has been effectively received (hereinafter, also simply referred to as" the identification signal has been received ")". ..

On the other hand, when the mobile terminal 90 determines that the distance measurement value is larger than the set value, the mobile terminal 90 is currently located outside the effective reception area. Therefore, the mobile terminal 90 is "identified from the transmitter 30". It is determined that the signal is not effectively received (hereinafter, also referred to simply as "the identification signal is not received").

That is, in the present embodiment, when the mobile terminal 90 is located outside the effective reception area, the mobile terminal 90 apparently receives the identification signal even though the mobile terminal 90 actually receives the identification signal. It will be treated on the software as not receiving the identification signal.

In the present embodiment, the individual performance and relative positional relationship of the plurality of transmitters 30 and the set value of the effective reception radius are set so that the receivable area and the effective reception area do not overlap each other among the plurality of transmitters 30. Is set.

FIG. 7 shows the contents of short-distance one-way wireless communication between the transmitter 30 located in the same rental space 20 and the user's mobile terminal 90 in chronological order and conceptually. The transmitter 30 continues to transmit the same identification signal to the user's mobile terminal 90.

As a reminder, the invariance of the identification signal is added. Since the identification signal reflects not only the rental space ID but also the remaining battery level, the rental space ID of the identification signal is unchanged. However, it is expected to fluctuate over time.

However, since the remaining battery level does not change suddenly, it can be considered that the remaining battery level does not change within a short time span assumed in relation to the user's mobile terminal 90. On the other hand, it is not expected that the rental space ID will change.

Therefore, since the identification signal repeatedly transmits the same information within a short time span, the identification signal can be treated as invariant in the first place in its substantive sense.

By the way, when the identification signal is a continuous wave, it is not physically observed as a plurality of signals, whereas when it is an intermittent wave, it is observed as a plurality of signals. However, even if it is a continuous wave, as long as the identification signal is periodic, it is possible to grasp it as if a plurality of periodic signals are arranged in time series. Therefore, for convenience of explanation, as conceptually shown in FIG. 7, the identification signal should be grasped as a plurality of individual signals arranged in chronological order regardless of whether the wave is a continuous wave or an intermittent wave. Is possible.

In addition, FIG. 7 also conceptually shows the content of long-distance bidirectional wireless communication between the user's mobile terminal 90 and the management server 50 at a remote location. Will be described in detail later.

Next, to explain the hardware configuration of the user's mobile terminal 90 with reference to FIG. 8 which is a functional block diagram, the user's mobile terminal 90 stores a processor 130 and a plurality of applications executed by the processor 130. It is mainly composed of a computer 134 having a memory 132.

The mobile terminal 90 further generates a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display) 136 for displaying information, a receiving unit 138 for receiving signals from the transmitter 30 and the management server 50, and manages the signals. It has a transmitter 140 for transmitting to the server 50.

Next, in order to explain the software configuration of the user's mobile terminal 90 with reference to FIG. 9, the processor 130 of the mobile terminal 90 executes a plurality of programs. One of these programs is the above-mentioned transmitter application, and the application is conceptually represented by a flowchart in FIG.

The processor 130 of the mobile terminal 90 iteratively executes the transmitter application (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “program”). At the time of executing each program, first, in step S101, this program is started in response to the user's operation.

Next, in step S102, it is determined whether or not the mobile phone 90 has effectively received the identification signal from the transmitter 30.

When the mobile terminal 90 is currently located outside the receivable area, the mobile terminal 90 cannot receive the identification signal from the transmitter 30 at all, so the determination in step S102 is NO.

After that, in step S115, a message for notifying the user that an operation error exists or prompting the user to correct the operation method and try again is displayed on the screen of the display unit 136. At this time, the communication between the mobile terminal 90 and the management server 50 ends (logout). An example of the above message is the message "The signal from the transmitter cannot be received normally. Please bring your mobile device close enough to or contact the transmitter and then start the app again." be. This completes the current execution of this program.

On the other hand, when the mobile terminal 90 is currently located in the receivable area, the mobile terminal 90 can receive the identification signal from the transmitter 30. In this case, in step S102, the distance to the transmitter 30 this time is measured based on the received identification signal. In this step S102, it is further determined whether or not the distance measurement value is smaller than the set value, that is, whether or not the mobile terminal 90 is currently located in the effective reception area. If the distance measurement value is equal to or greater than the set value, the determination in step S102 becomes NO, and the process proceeds to step S115.

On the other hand, when the mobile terminal 90 is currently located in the effective reception area, the determination in step S102 is YES because the distance measurement value is smaller than the set value. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the first reception confirmation (this is an example of the above-mentioned "first reception event") is completed in relation to the transmitter 30. After that, this session, that is, one bidirectional communication with the management server 50 for the user to use the rental service is started.

In the present embodiment, the management server 50 is not actually designed to directly confirm the fact that the user's mobile terminal 90 has effectively received the identification signal from the transmitter 30. However, on the premise of the protocol or fact that the mobile terminal 90 does not make an access request to the management server 50 unless the identification signal is effectively received from the transmitter 30, the management server 50 receives an access request from the mobile terminal 90. From only the fact that the mobile terminal 90 has effectively received the identification signal from the transmitter 30, it is estimated.

Therefore, the management server 50 is substantially equivalent to performing an operation for confirming the fact that the user's mobile terminal 90 has effectively received the identification signal from the transmitter 30.

When this session starts, first, in step S103, the member ID of the user is transmitted to the management server 50. Next, in step S104, the user password is transmitted to the management server 50.

Subsequently, in step S105, the current request from the user, that is, the usage start request for requesting the start of use of a certain rental space 20, and the usage end request for requesting the end of use of the rental space 20. What the user wants is transmitted to the management server 50.

After that, in step S106, the usage (for example, parking) in which the user uses the rental space 20 this time is transmitted to the management server 50. Note that this step S106 can be omitted.

Subsequently, in step S107, the received identification signal is demodulated, whereby the rental space ID represented by the identification signal is decoded. As a result, the rental space ID that uniquely identifies the rental space 20 this time is identified. This rental space ID is stored in the memory 132.

In step S107, further, by demodulating the received identification signal, the remaining battery level represented by the identification signal is also decoded. This estimated battery level is also stored in the memory 132.

After that, in step S108, the user's mobile terminal 90 effectively receives an identification signal (that is, substantially the same identification signal) representing the same rental space ID as the identification signal received from the transmitter 30 at the time of execution of step S102. It is determined whether or not it has been done. The algorithm for determining the presence or absence of the effective reception is the same as that described above for step S102.

This time, assuming that the user's mobile terminal 90 is continuously present in the same effective reception area of the same rental space 20 during this session, the user's mobile terminal 90 is the previously received identification signal. Since the identification signal representing the same rental space ID as is received, the determination in step S108 is YES. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the second reception confirmation (this is an example of the above-mentioned "second reception event") is completed in relation to the transmitter 30.

Then, in step S109, the identified rental space ID is transmitted to the management server 50. If the determination in step S108 is YES, this step S109 is executed without performing other substantial processing. Therefore, step S109 is executed immediately after the second reception confirmation, whereby step S109 is executed. The rental space ID converted from the identification signal received the second time and the same as the one received the first time is transmitted from the mobile terminal 90 to the management server 50.

As a result, the management server 50 effectively receives the second identification signal from the transmitter 30 effectively afterwards without a deliberately extended wait time, i.e., substantially in real time. , The identification signal will be received in the form of a rental space ID converted from it. The identification signal and the rental space ID are substantially the same as each other in terms of information.

Therefore, as described later, if the management server 50 measures the current time immediately after receiving the rental space ID, the current time can be used as the actual start time or end time of the rental space 20 this time. (When the user requests the start of use of the rental space 20, the start time of use, and when the user requests the end of use of the rental space 20, the end time of use) can be accurately recognized as the time to reflect. ..

Further, in the present embodiment, the user intentionally in the process of converting the identification signal received by the user's mobile terminal 90 from the transmitter 30 into the rental space ID transmitted by the mobile terminal 90 to the management server 50. Since there is no intervention, i.e., data entry or data editing by the user, the user is unable to tamper with the rental space ID. As a result, the security of the rental space location-related information transmitted from the transmitter 30 to the management server 50 via the mobile terminal 90 is improved.

On the other hand, this time, assuming that the user's mobile terminal 90 moves from the effective reception area of one rental space 20 to the effective reception area of another rental space 20 during this session, the mobile terminal 90 Receives an identification signal different from the previously received identification signal, so that the determination in step S108 is NO.

In this case, after that, although not shown, a warning message is displayed on the screen of the display unit 136 of the user's mobile terminal 90. The warning message is, for example, a message stating that "the user has left the rental space 20 this time before the application for the rental service is completed, and due to this act, the qualification to use this rental service is lost". Is displayed. This completes the current execution of this program. At this time, the communication between the mobile terminal 90 and the management server 50 ends (logout).

By the way, the identification number transmitted by the transmitter 30 is unique to the transmitter 30 and also unique to one rental space 20 in which the transmitter 30 is installed. Further, the receivable area of the transmitter 30 installed in one rental space 20 does not overlap with the receivable area of another transmitter 30 installed in another rental space 20. Therefore, the mobile terminal 90 does not receive a plurality of identification signals from the plurality of transmitters 30 at the same time.

Then, the fact that "the mobile terminal has received the identification signal representing the same rental space ID again during the same session" is that "a user having the mobile terminal 90 has one rental space 20 specified by the identification signal". Within, we can infer with high accuracy the fact that we stayed continuously for a certain time span. " However, if the mobile terminal 90 receives the identification signal from the transmitter 30 only once and transmits the rental space ID corresponding to the identification signal to the management server 50, the same reasoning can be made only with low accuracy. I can't do it.

Here, the "certain time span" specifically means, for example, a time gap from the time when the first reception confirmation is performed to the time when the second reception confirmation is performed. However, the time gap can have, for example, 1 second as a lower limit value or 5 seconds as an upper limit value. For example, in the example where the time gap is set to 1 second, the user can stay in the same rental space 20 and within the effective reception area of the transmitter 30 for at least 1 second. It becomes a condition to receive.

When the rental space ID of this time is transmitted to the management server 50 in step S109, a reply from the management server 50 is awaited in step S110. As will be described later, the returned data includes data indicating whether or not the process for starting the use of the rental space 20 this time has started (parking has started), and the process for ending the use. Data indicating whether or not parking has been completed (parking has been completed), data indicating payment details indicating settlement after the end of use, etc. are included.

If there is such a reply from the management server 50, in step S111, whether or not the returned data is the use start data indicating that the process for starting the use of the rental space 20 this time has started. Is determined. If it is the usage start data, the determination in step S111 is YES. This completes the current execution of this program. This allows the user to start parking his vehicle in the rental space 20 this time.

As a result, this session, that is, one bidirectional communication with the management server 50 for starting the use of the rental space 20 this time is completed (logout).

On the other hand, if the data returned this time from the management server 50 is not the usage start data, the determination in step S111 becomes NO, and in step S113, the returned data is processed for the end of use. It is determined whether or not the usage end data has been completed. If it is the end-of-use data, the determination in step S113 is YES.

Since the payment details have been returned from the management server 50 this time, the returned payment details are displayed on the screen of the display unit 136 of the mobile terminal 90 in step S114. This completes the current execution of this program. As a result, the user can know the amount of the rental fee paid as the consideration for the rental service this time.

As a result, this session, that is, one bidirectional communication with the management server 50 for terminating the use from the rental space 20 this time is completed (logout).

Next, to explain the hardware configuration of the management server 50 with reference to FIG. 10, which is a functional block diagram, the management server 50 has a memory 162 that stores a processor 160 and a plurality of applications executed by the processor 160. It is mainly composed of a computer 164 having the same.

The management server 50 further includes a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display) 166 for displaying information, a receiving unit 168 for receiving a signal from the mobile terminal 90, and a user's mobile terminal 90 for generating a signal. It has a transmission unit 170 for transmitting to and a clock 172. The management server 50 does not directly receive from the transmitter 30, but substantially via the user's mobile terminal 90.

Next, the software configuration of the computer 164 of the management server 50 will be conceptually described with reference to FIG. 11 which is a functional block diagram.

As shown in FIG. 11, the management server 50 has a use start processing unit 200 for processing the start of use of the rental space 20 this time and a use end process for processing the end of use of the rental space 20 this time. It has a unit 202.

The management server 50 further has a list creation unit 204 and a list display unit 206. The list creation unit 204 creates the usage status management list shown in FIG. On the other hand, the list display unit 206 responds to the display request from the operator of the management server 50, reads the created usage status management list from the memory 162, and displays it on the screen of the display unit 166 of the management server 50. ..

The management server 50 further has a usage end reminder unit 208. Based on the usage status management list, the usage termination urging unit 208 repeatedly extracts unfinished users who have not completed the usage termination of the rental space 20 this time from a plurality of users, and the extraction is performed. A message is sent to the mobile terminal 90 of the unfinished user to the effect that the use of the rental space 20 this time has not been finished.

The management server 50 further includes a rental fee calculation unit 210 that calculates a rental fee to be paid by the user using the rental space 20 this time, and a payment processing unit 212 that enables the user to pay the rental fee. Have.

Specifically, the rental fee calculation unit 210 calculates the length of the elapsed time from the usage start time to the usage end time as the length of the rental time of the user. The amount of the rental fee is set to increase according to the length of the rental time, and the relationship is stored in advance in the memory 162 as a fee table (not shown).

The rental fee calculation unit 210 further calculates the amount of the rental fee this time by referring to the fee table based on the calculated length of the rental time.

In addition, the payment processing unit 212 collects the rental fee from the user by performing bank payment, credit card payment, prepaid payment, and the like for the user this time.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the software configuration of the management server 50 will be described in more detail. Next, the processor 160 of the management server 50 has a plurality of programs stored in the memory 162 of FIGS. The main program (program for starting and ending use) conceptually represented in the flowchart in FIG. 13 is repeatedly executed.

Each execution of this main program is started in step S201 shown in FIG. 12, and in that step S201, the type of the current request issued from the user to the management center 40 via the mobile terminal 90 is used. Information for identifying whether it is a start request or an end-of-use request, a rental space ID, and an estimated battery level are received together with a member ID and password pre-assigned to the user this time. The data are stored in memory 162 in association with each other for subsequent access.

In order to enjoy the rental service provided by this system 10, the user is required to register in advance as a member, and at that time, also register the password required for subsequent personal authentication. Is required.

In step S201, it is further determined whether or not the rental space ID is received from the user's mobile terminal 90 within the set time after the communication with the user's mobile terminal 90 is started, and the set time is set. If the rental space ID is not received, the determination is NO, and the management server 50 blocks the current communication with the user's mobile terminal 90.

The reason why the management server 50 could not receive the rental space ID from the user's mobile terminal 90 within the set time is that the above-mentioned first reception confirmation was established in the user's mobile terminal 90, so that step S102 in FIG. 9 The determination is YES, and communication with the management server 50 is started. However, since the above-mentioned second reception confirmation is not established in the user's mobile terminal 90, the determination in step S108 in the figure becomes NO, and the step This is because S109 was skipped.

Therefore, only when the rental space ID is received from the user's mobile terminal 90 within the set time, the process proceeds to step S202.

It should be noted that the determination as to whether or not the rental space ID has been received from the user's mobile terminal 90 within the set time is executed not in step S201 but after step S201 and before step S204. May be good. For example, it may be executed between steps S202 and S203, or may be executed between steps S203 and S204.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the user's mobile terminal 90 receives the identification signal representing the same rental space ID a plurality of times from the transmitter 30, the rental space ID is managed from the user's mobile terminal 90. It is transmitted to the server 50, and the management server 50 starts full-scale processing by using it as a trigger. Therefore, the management server 50 does not receive the same rental space ID multiple times from the user's mobile terminal 90.

Instead, each time the user's mobile terminal 90 receives an identification signal from the transmitter 30, each rental space ID represented by each identification signal is transmitted to the management server 50, and the management server 50 sends the user. It is also possible to carry out the present invention in a manner in which the management server 50 starts full-scale processing when the same rental space ID is received a plurality of times from the mobile terminal 90 of the above.

Next, in step S202, it is determined whether or not the personal authentication for the user this time has succeeded from the collation result between the received member ID and password and the registered information. If the personal authentication is successful, in step S203, it is determined whether or not the current request from the user is a usage start request.

If the current request is a usage end request, the determination is NO, and then the process proceeds to the step group shown in FIG. 13, but if the current request is a usage start request, the determination is YES. The process proceeds to step S204.

In this step S204, the current time is measured using the clock 172, and the user's use start time (when the purpose of the rental space 20 this time is parking, the parking start time is set as the same time as the current time. Means) is recorded in memory 162.

In step S204, the time when the management server 50 receives the rental space ID from the user's mobile terminal 90 in step S201 (this is the second identification signal from the transmitter 30 by the mobile terminal 90 in the user's start-of-use process). Is executed promptly (before 1 minute or longer than necessary) after (the time is almost the same as the time when the message is effectively received). Therefore, the usage start time is recognized as a time that substantially coincides with the time when the mobile terminal 90 effectively receives the second identification signal from the transmitter 30 in the user's usage start process.

That is, in this step S204, the time when the management server 50 receives the rental space ID from the user's mobile terminal 90, that is, the mobile terminal 90 receives the second identification signal from the transmitter 30 in the process of starting the use of the user. The user's usage start time is recognized based on the time that almost coincides with the valid reception time.

Subsequently, in step S207, the user is permitted to start using the rental space 20 this time. As a premise, it is recognized that the user is actually in the rental space 20 having the rental space ID at the usage start time.

After that, in step S208, the current use start time and the rental space ID are stored in the memory 162 in association with the current member ID in preparation for later use.

Specifically, in this step S208, the usage status management list shown in FIG. 15 is created. More specifically, in this step S208, the rental space (rental space 20 and rental space 20) is set for each rental service triggered by the occurrence of an event of starting use for a certain user. , A data block in which the usage start time, the usage end time, and the information for identifying the user (member ID) are associated with each other, and further optionally associated with the estimated battery level (for example, association). Data column) is created. Multiple data blocks corresponding to multiple rental services are listed, thereby creating a usage management list.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the memory 162 records in advance the correspondence between the plurality of rental space IDs and the plurality of rental spaces 20. Therefore, if the rental space ID of this time is specified at each time point, the location of one corresponding rental space 20 will be specified.

In an example of the usage status management list shown in FIG. 15, a plurality of data blocks are arranged in chronological order. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 15, a plurality of data blocks are arranged in order of newest usage start time.

In the example shown in FIG. 15, in the first data block from the top, the member "Tanaka" started using the rental space A for the purpose of parking at 10:00 on January 20, but has not finished yet. Represents that.

The second data block from the top indicates that the member "Suzuki" started using the rental space B for parking at 9:00 on January 20, but has not finished it yet.

In the third data block from the top, member "Kato" started using rental space C for parking at 8:00 on January 20th and ended at 17:00 on January 20th, and rented it. It also means that the fee has been paid.

In the fourth data block from the top, member "Kobayashi" started using rental space D for parking at 8:00 on January 19th and ended at 12:00 on January 19th, and rented it. It also means that the fee has been paid.

That is, the portion of the management server 50 that executes this step S208 constitutes the list creation unit 204.

Subsequently, in step S211 by executing the list display program (detailed later) shown in FIG. 14, the usage status management list is displayed on the screen of the display unit 166 of the management server 50, if necessary. As a result, the usage status management list is visualized for the operator of the management server 50.

Then, in step S212, the end-of-use reminder program (detailed later) shown in FIG. 17 is executed. This completes the execution of the part of the main program that starts using the rental space 20 this time.

On the other hand, when the current request issued by the user is a usage end request, the determination in step S203 in FIG. 12 becomes NO, and the process proceeds to step S213 shown in FIG. In this step S213, the current time is measured using the clock 172, and the user's use end time (when the purpose of the rental space 20 this time is parking, the parking end time is set as the same time as the current time. Means) is recorded in memory 162.

In step S213, the time when the management server 50 receives the rental space ID from the user's mobile terminal 90 in step S201 (this is the second identification signal from the transmitter 30 by the mobile terminal 90 in the process of ending the use of the user). Is executed promptly (before 1 minute or longer than necessary) after (the time is almost the same as the time when the message is effectively received). Therefore, the end-of-use time is recognized as a time that substantially coincides with the time when the mobile terminal 90 effectively receives the second identification signal from the transmitter 30 in the end-of-use process of the user.

That is, in this step S213, the time when the management server 50 receives the rental space ID from the user's mobile terminal 90, that is, the mobile terminal 90 receives the second identification signal from the transmitter 30 in the process of ending the use of the user. The user's end time of use is recognized based on the time that substantially matches the time of valid reception.

Subsequently, in step S215, it is determined whether or not the rental space ID of this time, that is, the rental space ID to be processed for termination of use matches the rental space ID at the start of use of the same user. If there is a discrepancy, the determination in step S215 becomes NO, and there is a possibility that there is something wrong with the data received this time from the user in step S227, or that the user is staying in the wrong rental space 20. If there is, it is required to re-enter the data to the user, that is, to retry the communication with the management server 50. This completes the execution of this main program.

On the other hand, when the rental space ID of this time matches the rental space ID at the start of use of the same user, the determination of step S215 becomes YES, and subsequently, in step S217, the user rents this time.・ It is permitted to end the use from space 20. As a premise, it is recognized that the user is actually in the rental space 20 having the restored rental space ID at the measured end time of use. After that, in step S218, the usage start time of the current rental space 20 of the current user is read from the memory 162.

Subsequently, in step S219, the length of the elapsed time from the usage start time to the usage end time is calculated as the length of the rental time of the user this time. Then, in step S221, the amount of the rental fee this time is calculated by referring to the fee table based on the calculated length of the rental time. After that, in step S222, the calculated rental fee is settled to the current user, whereby the current rental fee is collected from the user.

Subsequently, in step S223, a message indicating that the end of use has been completed and a payment statement for the rental fee this time are transmitted to the user's mobile terminal 90.

After that, in step S224, the usage status management list is updated so that the current data of the usage end time is reflected. Subsequently, in step S225, the list display program (detailed later) shown in FIG. 14 is executed, so that the latest usage status management list is displayed on the screen of the display unit 166 of the management server 50, if necessary. As a result, the usage status management list is visualized for the operator of the management server 50.

Then, in step S226, the end-of-use reminder program (detailed later) shown in FIG. 17 is executed. This completes the execution of the portion of the main program that terminates the use of the rental space 20 this time.

In the present embodiment, the user's mobile terminal 90 receives a local identification signal unique to each rental space 20 from the transmitter 30, converts the identification signal into a rental space ID, and uses the rental space. The user's mobile terminal 90 transmits the ID to the management server 50, which is effectively received by the management server 50 via the user's mobile terminal 90 as a local identification signal unique to each rental space 20. Equivalent to doing.

In this way, thanks to the identification signal from the transmitter 30 being transmitted to the management server 50 via the user's mobile terminal 90, the user can use any of the specified times and any of the specified ones. The management server 50 can recognize that the user is in the rental space 20 of the above.

By the way, in the present embodiment, after the user's mobile terminal 90 effectively receives the identification signal representing the same rental space ID a plurality of times and confirms the identity of the rental space 20 in which the user is staying, the user The mobile terminal 90 transmits the rental space ID corresponding to the identification signal to the management server 50 only once.

On the other hand, each time the user's mobile terminal 50 receives the identification signal, the identification signal is converted into a rental space ID and transmitted to the management server 50, and the management server 50 multiplexes the same rental space ID. After receiving multiple times and confirming the identity of the rental space 20 in which the user is staying (the user remains in the same rental space 20), the start or end of the use of the rental space 20 this time is started. It is possible to carry out the present invention in a mode of processing.

However, in this aspect, it is considered that the management server 50 usually collectively processes a plurality of sessions related to the rental service (each session is a series of interactive operations) with a plurality of users. Then, the processing load of the management server 50 tends to increase.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the user's mobile terminal 90 causes the user's mobile terminal 90 to perform an event of confirming the identity of the rental space 20 in which the user is staying, instead of the management server 50. Therefore, it becomes easy to reduce the burden on the management server 50.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the management server 50 responds to the first reception event that the user's mobile terminal 90 has received the identification signal from the transmitter 30, and the user's mobile terminal 90 In the second reception event, the user's mobile terminal 90 receives the identification signal representing the same rental space ID again from the transmitter 30 after the actual communication (one session) with the user is started. In response, the rental space ID corresponding to the identification signal is received from the user's mobile terminal 90.

According to the present embodiment, the processing of the user's mobile terminal 90 and the processing of the management server 50 can be performed in parallel with each other, so that the user can perform the processing of the user in parallel more quickly than when the processing is performed in series. It becomes possible to perform the use start processing and the use end processing of the rental space 20 of the above.

Here, the list display program will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

This list display program is repeatedly executed, and at each execution, first, in step S301, it is waited for the operator of the management server 50 to issue a list display request.

When the list display request is issued, the determination in step S301 becomes YES, and in step S302, the usage status management list is read from the memory 162. Subsequently, in step S303, the read usage status management list is displayed on the screen of the display unit 172 of the management server 50. This completes the current execution of this list display program.

Here, the end-of-use reminder program will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

This usage end reminder program is repeatedly executed, and at each execution, first, in step S401, attention should be paid to this time from a plurality of data blocks recorded in the usage status management list for each event of usage start. The data block is selected.

Subsequently, in step S402, by referring to the column of the usage end time in the selected data block, whether or not the time when the current user corresponding to the data block has finished using the vehicle is not recorded. That is, for this rental service, it is determined whether or not the current user remains unfinished.

If the current user remains unfinished, the determination in step S402 becomes YES, and in step S403, a message for urging the end of use is transmitted from the management server 50 to the mobile terminal 90 of the current user. NS. After that, the process returns to step S401, and another data block is selected as the execution target.

On the other hand, if the user this time has already finished using the rental service this time, the determination in step S402 becomes NO, step S403 is skipped, and the process returns to step S401.

As is clear from the above description, in the present embodiment, the portion of the management server 50 that executes steps S201-S204, S207, S208, and S210 constitutes the use start processing unit 200, and steps S201-S203. , S213, S215, S217-S223 and S227 constitute the end-of-use processing section 202, and the section executing steps S208 and S224 constitutes the list creation section 204, and steps S211 and The portion for executing S225 constitutes the list display unit 206, and the portion for executing steps S212 and S226 constitutes the end-of-use reminder unit 208.

Further, in the present embodiment, the portion of the management server 50 that executes step S201 constitutes an example of each of the real-time receiving unit and the real-time receiving process, and steps S203, S204, S208, and S213 are performed. The part to be executed constitutes an example of each of the information recognition unit and the information recognition process.

As shown in FIG. 11, the computer 164 of the management server 50 has a transmitter diagnostic unit 230. The management server 50 executes a transmitter diagnosis program in order to configure the transmitter diagnosis unit 230.

In FIG. 18, the transmitter diagnostic program is conceptually represented by a flowchart.

This program is repeatedly executed on the management server 50 for each rental space 20 managed by the management server 50. At each execution of this program, first, in step S701, the estimated current remaining amount of the transmitter 30 corresponding to the rental space 20 to be executed this time is read from the memory 162.

Next, in step S702, it is determined whether or not the estimated battery remaining amount is larger than the reference value, that is, whether or not the operation is guaranteed because the remaining amount of current of the transmitter 30 this time is not insufficient. Will be done.

This time, assuming that the estimated battery level is larger than the reference value, the determination in step S702 is YES, and in step S703, the transmitter 30 this time is diagnosed as a guaranteed operation transmitter.

On the other hand, this time, assuming that the estimated battery level is equal to or less than the reference value, the determination in step S702 is NO, and in step S704, the transmitter 30 this time is an operation-unguaranteed transmitter. Be diagnosed.

After that, in step S705, a message to the effect that the transmitter 30 is a non-guaranteed transmitter is sent to the mobile terminal (not shown) of the person in charge of the work of replacing the entire transmitter 30 or the battery 106 with another one. It is transmitted, thereby informing the person in charge of visiting the relevant rental space 20 and, on the spot, replacing the entire transmitter 30 or the battery 106 with another.

As shown in FIG. 11, the computer 164 of the management server 50 further includes a usage condition setting unit 220 and a usage condition distribution unit 222.

The usage condition setting unit 220 receives the request of the owner of any rental space 20 via the mobile terminal 92 of the owner, and sets the usage conditions for the user to use the corresponding rental space 20. Set. The usage condition distribution unit 222 distributes the set usage conditions to the mobile terminals 90 of a plurality of potential users of the corresponding rental space 20.

Therefore, the owner can easily and timely set, add, change, or delete the terms of use of his rental space 20 online, which is convenient.

In FIG. 19, an interactive operation is performed between the owner's mobile terminal 92, the management server 50, and the mobile terminals 90 of a plurality of users by operating the usage condition setting unit 220 and the usage condition distribution unit 222. The contents of wireless communication are shown in chronological order.

This figure shows a first session for setting usage conditions and distributing usage conditions, and a second session for accepting reservations from each user for the use of each rental space 20.

In the first session, the owner transmits various information to the management server 50 via the mobile terminal 92. The various information includes, for example, an owner ID, a service start request for starting a rental service for own rental space 20, own rental space ID, and its use when renting own rental space 20. (For example, parking), usage time zone when renting your own rental space 20 (for example, time zone from 10 am to 4 pm), information on whether or not to accept reservations from users, etc. However, the order of transmission of each data to the management server 50 is not limited to those shown in the figure.

In this embodiment, as a service for using one of the rental spaces 20, a user suddenly goes to one of the rental spaces 20 without a reservation and requests to start using the rental space 20 there. There is a reservation method in which a user makes a reservation, goes to one of the rental spaces 20, and starts using the rental space 20. Whether or not the user can make a reservation for the use of each rental space 20 can be determined in advance by the owner of the rental space 20, and the user is bound by the owner's prior decisions.

On the other hand, when the management server 50 receives the above-mentioned necessary items from the owner, the management server 50 obtains the usage conditions of the rental space 20, that is, the usage, the usage time zone, and the availability of the reservation from the received necessary items. Reply to the mobile terminal 92 of the above to confirm the contents, and request the owner for approval. On the other hand, when the owner returns the confirmation intention to the management server 50, the management server 50 rents the contents of the usage conditions this time in order to announce the usage conditions presented by the owner this time. It is delivered to the mobile terminals 90 of all members for the service.

This concludes the session for setting the terms of use for one owner.

A user who agrees to the published terms of use accesses the management server 50 via the mobile terminal 90 at any place without going to the desired rental space 20, and the rental space 20 is used. Make a reservation application for the use of. This time, the management server 50 accesses the owner's mobile terminal 92 in order to request the owner to approve the acceptance of the reservation.

When the owner approves the acceptance of the reservation this time, a message to that effect is returned to the management server 50, and the management server 50 notifies the mobile terminal 90 of the user who desires the reservation of the fact that the reservation has been accepted. Send back.

This ends the session for accepting reservations from one user.

FIG. 20 shows a comparison result between the above-mentioned reservation method and the on-site application method for a rental service for utilizing personal assets.

First, from the owner's point of view, regarding the reservation method, once the owner sets the usage time zone of the rental space 20, the setting contents are announced and the potential user expects that the setting contents are maintained. do. In order not to disappoint that expectation, the owner is not allowed to change the set usage time zone.

Therefore, regarding the reservation method, the owner has a low degree of freedom in changing the usage conditions of the rental space 20, and the owner is bound by the usage conditions set by himself / herself.

On the other hand, regarding the on-site application method, the owner is allowed to change the usage time zone until any user starts using the rental space 20. However, once the usage starts, the user expects that the usage time zone set at that time is valid at least during this rental, so the owner will use it until the user's usage ends. I can't change the time zone.

Therefore, regarding the on-site application method, the owner has a higher degree of freedom in changing the usage conditions of the rental space 20 than in the case of the reservation method.

Next, from the user's point of view, regarding the reservation method, there is no possibility that there is a prior contract for the same rental space 20. This is because if there is a prior contract, the management server 50 refuses to accept reservations that duplicate the prior contract.

On the other hand, regarding the on-site application method, there is a possibility that there is a prior contract. This is because the user goes to the desired rental space 20 without confirming the existence of the prior contract.

Therefore, there is no risk that the user will not be able to receive the rental service even if the user goes to the site for the reservation method, whereas there is a risk for the site application method.

Further, as described above, the reservation method is bound by the usage conditions set by the owner himself, so that the user may be charged a higher rental fee than the on-site application method.

FIG. 21 shows the above-mentioned usage condition setting program. This usage condition setting program is also repeatedly executed on the management server 50, and at each execution, first, in step S801, the owner ID is received from the owner's mobile terminal 92.

Next, in step S802, whether or not a service start request is received from the owner's mobile terminal 92, that is, a request for requesting to start a service of renting the rental space 20 owned by the owner to an arbitrary user. Is determined.

This time, assuming that the service start request is received, the determination in step S802 is YES, and in step S803, the rental space ID of the rental space 20 that is the target of the rental service is obtained from the owner's mobile terminal 92. Receive. Subsequently, in step S804, the usage of the rental space 20 is received from the owner's mobile terminal 92.

After that, in step S805, the usage time zone of the rental space 20 is received from the owner's mobile terminal 92. Subsequently, in step S806, whether or not to accept the rental reservation for the rental space 20 from the owner's mobile terminal 92, that is, the above-mentioned reservation method and the on-site application method, which is adopted by the owner, is received. do.

After that, in step S807, the contents of all the terms of use received from the owner are presented to the owner's mobile terminal 92, thereby requesting the owner to approve the contents. Subsequently, in step S808, it is determined whether or not the owner has approved the approval. If there is no approval, the determination in step S808 becomes NO, the process returns to step S803, and new usage conditions are received from the owner's mobile terminal 92.

On the other hand, if the owner approves, the determination in step S808 becomes YES, and in step S809, the rental service for the rental space 20 this time is started. Subsequently, in step S810, the rental service for the rental space 20 this time may be started under the usage conditions set as described above, that is, a plurality of potential users, that is, It is delivered to the mobile terminals 90 of all members.

The case where the service start request is received from the current owner has been described above, but if the service start request is not received, the determination in step S802 becomes NO, and in step S811, the service end request from the current owner, that is, the owner's Whether or not you have received a request to terminate the rental service started for the rental space 20 you own at least temporarily (including changing the terms of use once set by the same owner). It is judged.

This time, assuming that the service termination request is not received, the determination in step S811 becomes NO, and the owner is requested to re-input in step S811.

On the other hand, this time, assuming that the service termination request is also received, the determination in step S811 becomes YES, and in step S814, the rental service for the rental space 20 this time is terminated or the usage conditions are changed. NS. After that, the process proceeds to step S810.

[Second Embodiment]

Next, with reference to FIG. 22, a rental space management system 10 according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, since this embodiment has many elements in common with the first embodiment described above, only the different elements will be described in detail, and the common elements will be quoted using the same name or the same reference numeral. , Omit duplicate explanations.

As described above, in the first embodiment, when the signal is exchanged between the transmitter 30, the user's mobile terminal 90, and the management server 50, as shown in FIG. 7 in chronological order, the user The processing of the mobile terminal 90 and the processing of the management server 50 are partially performed in parallel with each other.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in time series in FIG. 22, the processing of the user's mobile terminal 90 and the processing of the management server 50 are performed in series.

Specifically, after the management server 50 generates the first reception event that the user's mobile terminal 90 receives the identification signal from the transmitter 30, the mobile terminal 90 receives the same rental space ID from the transmitter 30. Until the second reception event that the representative identification signal is received again occurs, the mobile terminal 90 does not substantially communicate with the mobile terminal 90, and responds to the second reception event only after the second reception event occurs. Then, a substantial communication (one session) with the mobile terminal 90 is started, and then a rental space ID corresponding to the identification signal is received from the mobile terminal 90.

According to this embodiment, after one session is started, the management server 50 performs necessary processing without waiting for the appearance of an event that is timely affected by the operating state of the user's mobile terminal 90. can. Therefore, the management server 50 does not have to worry about the processing being interrupted due to the convenience of the mobile terminal 90, and it becomes easy to complete the processing with high efficiency.

[Some effects of some embodiments]

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the following embodiments can be obtained, for example, according to these embodiments.

1. 1. It becomes easy to reduce the cost of the rental service equipment installed in the rental space 20.

When information that you want to send or send to the outside is already specified from various device manufacturers, that information is converted to an identification signal, modulated or encrypted, and the identification signal is sent locally. The machine is commercially available.

It is possible to realize the transmitter 30 of the present embodiment by using this commercially available product. That is, in order to realize the transmitter 30, it is not indispensable to design and manufacture a dedicated transmitter.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it becomes easy to reduce the cost of the rental service equipment that needs to be installed in each rental space 20.

2. 2. The accuracy of recognizing which rental space 20 the user is actually in is improved.

According to the present embodiment, the management server 50 substantially receives the local identification signal unique to each rental space 20 transmitted from the transmitter 30 via the user's mobile terminal 90. Rental service is provided by doing so.

Here, since the identification signal transmitted from the transmitter 30 is a kind of encrypted signal, it is impossible for the user to modify it unnecessarily. Further, the management server 50 identifies the location of the rental space 20 in which the user is currently located by using the identification signal from the transmitter 30.

Further, in the process of converting the identification signal received by the user's mobile terminal 90 from the transmitter 30 into the rental space ID transmitted by the mobile terminal 90 to the management server 50, the user's intentional intervention, that is, by the user. There is no data entry or data editing. Therefore, the user cannot falsify the rental space ID. As a result, the security of the information transmitted from the rental space used to the management server 50 is improved.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the accuracy of recognizing which rental space 20 the user is actually in is improved.

3. 3. The accuracy of recognizing at which time the user actually starts or ends the use in a certain rental space 20 is improved.

According to the present embodiment, a local identification signal unique to each rental space is transmitted from the transmitter 30 to the management server 50 via the user's mobile terminal 90 in the form of a rental space ID in substantially real time. Will be sent. The management server 50 recognizes the usage start time by the user and the usage end time by the user by referring to the time when the rental space ID is received, for example. Therefore, it is impossible for the user to falsify those times.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the accuracy of recognizing at which time the user actually starts or ends the use of the rental space 20 is improved. Therefore, this also improves the security of the information transmitted from the rental space 20 used to the management server 50.

4. It is possible to segregately monitor user behavior from the perspective of whether the user was really in a rental space 20 for the purpose of rental or just by chance in the vicinity of the rental space 20. Become.

According to the present embodiment, there is an event in which the user's mobile terminal 90 effectively receives the identification signal representing the same rental space ID a plurality of times at different times, that is, the identification signal representing the same rental space ID. The management server 50 performs the process for rental after waiting for the reception to be received substantially continuously over the time span.

That is, according to the present embodiment, the identification signal representing the same rental space ID is continuously received, that is, the instantaneous reception of the identification signal, that is, the momentary stay of the user in the rental space 20, is not a necessary condition. Because the management server 50 estimates or identifies the location of the rental space 20, that is, the rental space ID, where the user is currently really staying, subject to reception, i.e., the user's continued stay in the same rental space 20. be.

As a result, according to the present embodiment, the position of the user's mobile terminal 90, that is, the position of the user is continuously observed, not instantaneously, whereby the user really starts or uses the rental space 20 this time. It is possible to distinguish and observe the user's behavior from the viewpoint of whether the user was in the rental space 20 for the purpose of termination or only in the vicinity of the rental space 20 by chance.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when it is found that the user may have been only in the vicinity of the rental space 20 by chance, the management server 50 does not start or starts the processing for rental. Even if it is stopped, it is possible to prevent unnecessary processing from being performed in the end.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the accuracy is higher than the case where the management server 50 performs the processing for rental in response to only one event that the user's mobile terminal 90 first effectively receives the identification signal. Often, it is possible to avoid processing for unauthorized rental.

For example, on the user's mobile terminal 90, an application for a rental service is accidentally started, and at that time, the user is installed in the vicinity of one of the rental spaces 20 by chance. Even if the identification signal from the transmitter 30 is received, as long as the user is away from the rental space 20 at the next moment, the user unknowingly makes a mistake with respect to the management server 50. You don't have to apply for rental. Therefore, the erroneous rental fee is not charged to the user by the management server 50.

5. The owner can easily start a rental service using his / her own quiet assets by simply installing the transmitter 30 in his / her rental space 20, and simply removes the transmitter 30 from the rental space 20. You can easily end the rental service once started with.

According to the present embodiment, the owner simply installs the transmitter 30 in his / her rental space 20, the switch 32 is turned on, and the transmitter 30 starts transmitting the identification signal. Therefore, the owner can easily start a rental service using his / her own quiet assets.

The owner simply removes the transmitter 30 from its rental space 20, the switch 32 is turned off, and the transmitter 30 ends the transmission of the identification signal. Therefore, the owner can easily terminate the rental service once started.

6. It is possible to monitor the status of the transmitter 30 by using the user's mobile terminal 90 without installing a dedicated facility in the rental space 20.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the user makes a transmission by referring to the data transmitted to the management server 50, that is, the estimated battery level, without knowing that the user is used for the diagnosis of the transmitter 30. Whether or not the operation of the machine 30 is guaranteed is diagnosed, and the result is automatically transmitted to a person other than the user, that is, the mobile terminal of the person in charge of maintaining the transmitter 30 or the like.

In short, the user is unknowingly involved in the maintenance work of the transmitter 30.

As a result, according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to install dedicated equipment in each rental space 20 in order to monitor the operating state of each transmitter 30. Therefore, this also makes it possible to reduce the cost of the equipment that the owner needs to install in his / her own rental space 20 in order to start the rental service.

Further, according to the present embodiment, each transmitter 30 is installed regardless of whether or not the battery 106 actually needs to be replaced in order for the person in charge to monitor the operating state of each transmitter 30. Since it is no longer necessary to dispatch the person in charge to the relevant site only when the battery 106 needs to be replaced, the maintenance cost (for example, labor cost) of the transmitter 30 is high. It will be reduced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the person in charge determines whether or not the battery 106 needs to be replaced at the site, and if necessary, in order to achieve the purpose of replacing the battery 106 on the spot. It is possible to monitor the operating state of each transmitter 30 more frequently than when the maintenance system dispatched to the site is adopted.

In addition, some of the above-mentioned embodiments are some specific examples when the present invention is applied to a rental service for renting land, which is an example of real estate, but instead of this. The present invention is applied to, for example, a rental service for renting a room, which is another example of real estate, or a rental service for renting an animal (for example, a rental car, a rental bicycle, etc.). It is possible.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, these are examples, and are based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the embodiments described in the above [Summary of the invention] column. It is possible to carry out the present invention in other forms with various modifications and improvements.

Claims (4)

A rental space management system that centrally manages multiple rental spaces.
A non-contact or contact-type transmitter that is installed in at least one in each rental space and emits an identification signal locally, and the identification signal is used by a user who uses one of the rental spaces. Received by a mobile terminal in a short-range wireless communication system, the transmitter is portable and can be removed without being stuck in the corresponding rental space.
Including the management server that centrally manages the multiple rental spaces
The transmitter has a housing, a power source, and when the transmitter is installed in a fixed object in the rental space, the transmitter is activated, and when the transmitter is removed from the fixed object, the transmitter is activated. It is configured to include a mechanical, optical or electromagnetic switch that controls the power supply so that the transmitter's transmission is stopped.
When the management server receives a signal from the mobile terminal of the user who has received the identification signal from the transmitter, the management server starts a process for starting the user to use the rental space in which the transmitter is installed. Including the user usage start processing unit
When the transmitter is moved to a space other than the rental space and installed, that space is switched to the rental space, and conversely, when it is removed from the rental space, the space is no longer a rental space. Rental space management system. The management server further
When a service start request is received from the owner's mobile terminal that owns one of the rental spaces, a service start processing unit that processes the start of the rental service that provides the rental space to the user, and a service start processing unit.
The rental space management system according to claim 1, which includes a service termination processing unit that processes the termination of the rental service upon receiving a service termination request from the owner's mobile terminal. The management server further
A rental fee calculation unit that calculates the rental fee to be paid by the user who used one of the rental spaces,
The rental space management system according to claim 1 or 2, which includes a payment processing unit that enables a user to make an electronic payment of the rental fee by wireless communication between his / her mobile terminal and the management server. .. When the user's mobile terminal receives the identification signal from the transmitter installed in any of the rental spaces, the user's mobile terminal acquires the rental space ID unique to the rental space from the received identification signal, and obtains the rental space ID unique to the rental space. The rental space management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the acquired rental space ID is transmitted to the management server.

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